Some individuals experience family rejection and disownment because of their gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or interracial partnership, or because of the impact of caregiver's psychological or substance abuse issues. This experience can be traumatic and may seriously impact a person's mental health and wellbeing. 

Rejection can occur due to a family’s cultural values that conflict with the individual’s basic identity and choices. Ruptures with family, religious communities and friends may happen when your beliefs and values diverge from those in which you were raised.  Some are alienated by a caregiver's mental illness or addiction problems.

Those who have been disowned or suffer different types of rejection often struggle with depression, self-doubt, and a deep sense of grief.  Professional support can facilitate recovery from the impact of family and communities' rigid belief systems and dysfunctions, and help individuals claim their own identities and values, navigate difficult relationships, and rebuild their sense of family and support.